We are saddened to announce the passing of Dr. Puthenpurakal Korah (P.K.) Mathew on August 19th, 2026. He passed peacefully at home, surrounded by his family. P.K. graduated from medical school in 1967. He traveled to Glasgow, Scotland, for a year. He married Thankamma Mathew in 1971, and their wedding picture belies the great affection they shared. He completed a residency and cardiology fellowship in NYC in 1974 before being recruited to Rochester to begin his cardiology practice.

He took special pride in his profession. While working at St. Mary’s Hospital, then part of the University of Rochester Medical System, and subsequently at Unity Hospital, he devoted his time to his patients and the education of future physicians. From EKGs to bedside manner, he was a model of professionalism and empathy. While well published, he prided himself on teaching new physicians the art of medicine. He even managed to teach his son how to read EKGs. His daughter took less effort, reading them like a duck in water. His educational acumen was so great that the teaching award at Unity Hospital still bears his name. He volunteered at the St. Joseph Neighborhood Center, helping the underserved, never forgetting his vocation’s responsibilities. He served as Chief of Cardiology and President of the Medical Staff before eventually retiring in 2012 after 38 years of service!

P.K. was preceded in death by his parents, M.V. Korah and Mariamma Korah, from Mammoottil House in Kottayam, Kerala, and his eldest brother, Korah George. He is survived by his wife, Thankamma Mathew, MD; his children, Julia (Mathew) Trumbo, MD, Roy Trumbo, MD, Stephanie Mathew, DO, and Robert Mathew, DO; grandchildren, Danny Trumbo, Owen and Kai Mathew; and siblings, P.K. and Susie Abraham, P.K. and Susan Kuriakose, Mariamma George, and Susan and P.M. Rajappan.

P.K. was known for his humor and kindness. It was not just his close family that benefited from his generosity. He sponsored friends and family to come to the United States and pursue their own American Dream. He preferred to take a broad view of the definition of family, establishing a Thanksgiving tradition that has spanned more than 50 years and continues to this day.

He traveled the world with his wife, family, and friends, resulting in a map filled with experiences and memories, some fuzzier than others (Paris). His easy-going demeanor served him well. His trademark “Oh gosh!” was the most extreme of his professional reactions. His family always had to be “easy, easy” when going on adventures. And we still wonder whether Disney should not be paying him royalties because of his frequent use of “Let it go” before Frozen.

Join us to celebrate P.K.’s life. Calling hours to be held from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, on SUNDAY, August 23, 2026, at Miller Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc. 3325 Winton Road South, Rochester. Service to take place from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM on MONDAY, August 24, 2026, at the All Seasons Chapel of White Haven Memorial Park, 210 Marsh Road, Rochester. Interment to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in P.K.’s name to the St. Joseph’s Neighborhood Center Click HERE to Donate.